About the Two Jyotirlinga Yatra
Madhya Pradesh is home to two of the twelve Jyotirlingas, and they are close enough to visit on one trip. Mahakaleshwar stands in the heart of Ujjain, while Omkareshwar sits on an island in the Narmada, about 140 km to the south, an island said to be shaped like the sacred syllable Om. Darshan at both, during the Simhastha, is a pilgrimage many Shiva devotees hope to make once in their lives.
This four-day yatra combines your Simhastha snan at Ram Ghat and Mahakal darshan with a full day at Omkareshwar, including darshan at Omkareshwar and Mamleshwar and a boat ride on the Narmada.
Who this yatra suits
- Shiva devotees who want to visit two Jyotirlingas in one trip.
- Families who want more than a quick visit to Ujjain.
- Travellers flying into Indore, which sits conveniently between the two.
For a shorter trip focused on Ujjain, choose Ujjain Simhastha & Mahakal Darshan.
When to go
The Ujjain Simhastha is expected from 27 March to 27 May 2028; the Shahi Snan dates are pending official notification. For this yatra, with its long drive to Omkareshwar, we suggest:
- Late March to mid-April, when the heat is easier on a long road day.
- Keeping the Omkareshwar day away from Shahi Snan days, when roads out of Ujjain are busiest.
- Starting the Omkareshwar drive early, to reach the island before the midday heat.
Your trip, in more detail
Day 1: arrival. We meet you at Indore airport and drive to Ujjain (about 55 km). Rest in the afternoon, then attend the evening aarti at Ram Ghat on the Shipra.
Day 2: Simhastha snan and the Ujjain circuit. An early snan at Ram Ghat, then Mahakaleshwar darshan and the Mahakal Lok corridor. After a midday rest, continue to Harsiddhi and Kal Bhairav, and perhaps Sandipani Ashram, where Krishna is said to have studied. See our guide to Kal Bhairav, Mangalnath and Sandipani.
Day 3: Omkareshwar. An early drive south to Omkareshwar. Darshan at the Omkareshwar temple on the island and at Mamleshwar on the riverbank; together they are often considered the Jyotirlinga pair of this tirtha. A boat ride on the Narmada shows the island's shape and the ghats from the water. Depending on your preference, stay the night in Omkareshwar or return to Indore. Our Omkareshwar guide has darshan timings and tips.
Day 4: departure. Drop at Indore airport or station.
Where you stay
The yatra uses our AC Camp category in Ujjain: air-conditioned tents with generator backup, essential in the April–May heat. For the Omkareshwar night, or if you return to Indore, we arrange a comfortable hotel or guest house there, since the Kumbh camps are in Ujjain. We confirm all stays and photos before you pay.
What is included
- Three nights' accommodation with daily breakfast and dinner
- A private AC car throughout, including the Omkareshwar day
- A coordinator on snan day
- Darshan planning at both Jyotirlingas
Not included: air or train fare, darshan and puja fees, boat tickets at Omkareshwar, and lunches.
How the price is worked out
This yatra is priced on request. Your quote depends on your dates, your stay category in Ujjain, whether you stay in Omkareshwar or Indore on the third night, and the number of travellers. Rates will firm up once the Shahi Snan dates are notified. We confirm everything in writing before you pay.
Good to know
- The Omkareshwar day is long: about three to four hours each way by road. Carry water, snacks and a hat.
- Steps and walking: there are steps to the temples on the island, and a bridge or boat crossing. Seniors should take it slowly.
- Dress modestly at both temples, and carry a small bag; large bags may not be allowed inside.
- The Narmada is a sacred river. Many pilgrims also take a dip at the Omkareshwar ghats.
Our Ujjain–Omkareshwar itinerary shows timings in more detail.
The story of Omkareshwar and Mamleshwar
According to legend, the Vindhya mountain worshipped Shiva here, and Shiva appeared as a Jyotirlinga to bless him. The island of Mandhata, on which the Omkareshwar temple stands, is said to be shaped like the sacred syllable Om. Across the river stands Mamleshwar (also called Amareshwar), and many pilgrims consider darshan at both temples together to complete the Jyotirlinga pilgrimage at Omkareshwar.
The island parikrama
Devout pilgrims walk the parikrama around Mandhata island, a path of several kilometres that passes ghats, smaller temples and views over the Narmada. In April and May it is best attempted very early in the morning, and only by those comfortable with a long walk in the heat. If you would like to include it, staying overnight in Omkareshwar makes it possible.
Combining two Jyotirlingas on one trip
Mahakaleshwar and Omkareshwar are often visited together because they are the two Jyotirlingas of Madhya Pradesh and lie within a day's drive of each other. Many devotees set out to visit all twelve over their lifetime; this yatra lets you complete two in four days.
Getting to the island
Omkareshwar's temple stands on Mandhata island, linked to the mainland by footbridges over the Narmada; boats also ferry pilgrims across. The walk from the bridge to the temple includes steps and narrow lanes lined with shops selling flowers, prasad and lingams. Go early to avoid both the heat and the queues, and keep footwear you can slip off easily, since it must be left outside the temple.
Before you set out
Carry water, a hat and light snacks for the Omkareshwar day, and keep some cash for prasad, boats and footwear stands.
